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My Own Disastrous Dating Life

Gracie Cooper Author Interview

Loving Whiskey follows a successful bar owner who crosses paths with a busy single dad who challenges her self-imposed love ban. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I’m a huge fan of romantic comedies and though being a single parent or running a busy is nothing to laugh about, sometimes life throws you a funny bone and gives you something to chuckle over. I can’t really say what in particular inspired the storyline. Maybe it was my own disastrous dating life. What I do know is finding your person, is not always easy, but when you do, it is so worth the wait. 

Willow and Colton are interesting and well-developed characters. What were some driving ideals behind their character’s relationship?

I love the idea of friends supporting friends. Being loyal, truthful, independent and honest with each other even if it hurts. That to me is the value of friendship. It doesn’t matter their background, race or how they identify. “Ride or Die” like the saying goes. I believe both Willow and Colton have this trait for both their friends and family and for each other. 

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Besides the instant attraction between Willow and Colton, I wanted to explore the idea of sun-plots with the story itself. It would give the readers an idea of what the next possible book would be. I also like the idea of “Easter Eggs” hidden within the book…like they do in the movies. Did you catch on to Wes playing scrabble with a certain nurse? Know who the nurse could be? (Wink wink)

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I am wrapping up Book 2 of Martini Girl Bar (Luna & Levi) and have started a few scenes on Book 3 (Mila & Beck). I hope to have book 2 out later this year. 

I’ve also have two other stand-alones that I am excited about (paranormal rom-com). More on those at a later date.

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Tired of dating, Willow Lawson gives up on love and focuses on the expansion of Martini Girl Bar. She is officially on a man-strike – until she meets Colt. Colton Royce has his hands full raising his four-year-old niece and seventy-two-year-old grandmother. But when a chance encounter to play music again knocks on his door, he takes it. Lightning strikes when Willow and Colt are around, proving love enters when they least expect it.

Loving Whiskey 

Loving Whiskey by Gracie Cooper follows Willow, an incredible woman known as ‘Whiskey, The Bartender.’ She cares about supporting her family, has her own bar, and finds time to be with her friends. She is not interested in love. She has various situations to resolve with her business, but everything changes with the arrival of Colt. He is the new guitarist at the bar. Colt is an attractive, educated, and above all, responsible man. He takes care of his niece and grandmother. And once they meet, they discover that love is more than just attraction. It’s about enjoying time and having things in common.

I enjoyed Loving Whiskey because it seemed like a fun story with a big heart and you can pick that up right from the start. Gracie Cooper describes expressive people in their gestures, actions, and words. That’s why one of my favorite characters was Noni, Colt’s grandmother. She is an energetic woman who says what she feels without restrictions.

The settings are well described and easily place readers in the scene, especially in the bar, which conveys a lot of energy, and gossip is the order of the day. Gracie Cooper knows how to combine realism with humor and style. I liked the concept of Willow being an entrepreneur and the owner of the Martini Girl Bar, a place that men and women can enjoy equally. It highlights Willow’s creativity and intuitive business mind and strengths.

Loving Whiskey is a sensual, flirty, and humorous novel. There is an assortment of characters to discover within the pages. If you are able to keep up with who’s who, then I think you’ll heartily enjoy this book. I would have liked a more specific selection of people, but in this particular case, I understand this decision to leave it at that. What would a bar be without its customers? That’s why I recommend Loving Whiskey to every girl who wants to brighten her day with a heartfelt story, or any reader looking for a fun read.

Pages: 314 | ASIN: B0BJP24FR1

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